Pathways to Construction Trades (PaCT) Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Fund for the Improvement of Post-Secondary Education (FIPSE) Milwaukee Area Technical College School of Technology and Applied Science Presenters: Mona Schroeder-Beers, PaCT Manager Bev Sroka – Carpentry Instructor Byron Speed – PaCT Student Aron Covert – PaCT Student

Topics for Today’s Discussion Design of the Pathways to Construction Trades (PaCT) Project Contextualized Curriculum Training of Cohorts 1, 2, 3, 4 Comments from Students Challenges Evaluation Results and Outcomes

Design of Pathways to Construction Trades (PaCT) PaCT is a project designed to bridge construction trades employment through Contextualized Training targeted for academic disadvantaged & limited English speaking dislocated workers

Project Design This Project will provide participants with: English as a Second Language/Basic Education with linguistic & academic barriers into post-secondary Contextualized construction trades curriculum Exploration of multiple career options in construction through engaged occupational training Obtain skills development in the construction trades Obtain a skills certificate & post-secondary credit in construction trades Career pathways to assist them in their career goals

Need for Project Mike Rowe addresses the Senate Shortage of Trained Construction Trade Workers in: Welding Pipefitting Electrical Plumbing Carpentry* HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) * Wisconsin State employment project for 2002-2016 notes Carpentry as Second highest need for jobs

Need for Project cont: Numbers of qualified construction workers are insufficient to replenish the aging workforce – (retirements) Differing levels of impact for different trades, severe training needed such as in Electrical & Carpentry Construction industry reports 95,000 replacement workers needed, along with another 90,000 new workers

Goals & Objectives Provide Training to 120-150 Dislocated Workers Contextualization of math & communication curriculum Provide applied course content as vehicle to enhance ‘basic skills’ Hands on applications to construction trades 80% of Participant will Successfully Complete PaCT Training Program Pre and post testing to identify deficiency and mastery of competencies Successful mastery of basic skills competences in math and communications

Goals & Objectives Cont. 100% of Participants will Select a Career Pathway in the Construction Trades or a Related Field Provide remediation for transition 75% of the Participants will enroll and/or will find employment in the construction trades MAWIB-HIRE will coordinate employment referrals Wisconsin Job Service/Job Centers placement Replication of project as National Model Disseminate to report to all stakeholders

Partners Milwaukee HIRE Center Milwaukee County Labor Council Wisconsin Job Service AFL-CIO Education & Labor Center Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership Milwaukee Area Workforce Investment Board Milwaukee Area Technical College PaCT Advisory Board

Funding Sources Department of Education, Fund for the Improvement of Post- Secondary Education Milwaukee Area Workforce Investment Board Trade Adjustment & Re- Adjustment Act Funds

Sustainability Partnering agencies will continue to utilize local and new funding to offer a short-term training option for dislocated workers The project will also be extensively disseminated & technical assistance will be provided by MATC for agencies intending to duplicate PaCT

Contextualized Curriculum What is meant by contextualized? Contextual Learning is reality-based, outside-of-the-classroom experience, within a specific context which serves as a catalyst for students to utilize their disciplinary knowledge, and which presents a forum for further formation of their personal values, faith, and professional development. Beyond the challenge of direct, meaningful experience, contextual learning requires reflection to build lasting cognitive connections. Contextual learning structures may include internships, service learning, and study abroad programs, among others." This definition was formulated in 2002 and presented at the annual conference proceedings of the National Society for Experiential Education by Michael True.”

What is meant by contextualized? Contextualized Learning’s Central Message: Learning by doing causes us to make connections that yield meaning, and when we see meaning, we acquire and retain knowledge and skills

Contextual Teaching and Learning System’s 8 Components Making connections that hold meaning Self-regulated learning Doing significant work Collaboration Critical and creative thinking Nurturing the individual Reaching high standards Using authentic assessment

PaCT Curriculum for English Speaking Cohort ( 420 hours) 32 hours of OSHA/First Aid 180 hours of PaCT Construction (hands on lab work) 56 hours of PaCT Fundamentals of Construction 32 hours of PaCT Blueprint Reading 8 hours of Lead Renovation Repair/Paint 16 hours of PaCT Masonry 40 hours of PaCT Contextual Math 64 hours of PaCT Contextual Language Arts

PaCT Curriculum for Language Cohort Groups ( 511 hours) 32 hours of OSHA/First Aid 180 hours of PaCT Construction (hands on lab work) 56 hours of PaCT Fundamentals of Construction 32 hours of PaCT Blueprint Reading 16 hours of PaCT Masonry 77.5 hours of PaCT Contextual Math & LA 117.5 hours of PaCT ESL

Training of Cohorts 1, 2, 3 Cohort 1 14 of 16 students completed English language group 1 student entered the workforce before training ended Cohort 2 11 of 14 students completed Spanish language group – All classes delivered in Spanish 4 student entered the workforce before training ended Cohort 3 9 of 11 students completed

Projects and Classes Sawhorse Birdhouse Honing skills House Module Toolbox Frame Temporary wall House Module Electrical Unit Stairs Scaffolding Masonry Lead Abatement

Curriculum Support Events/Activities Guest Speakers Site tours MATC Southeast WI Carpentry Training School Community Night C3 Presentations Dinners Graduation Portfolios English as a Second Language

Comments from our Students Byron Speed – Resident Manager 10 years Aron Covert – Carpentry 12 years

Challenges

Challenges Identified by Students Social Isolation Health Finances Learning

Evaluation Results /Outcomes Completion rate of first three cohorts = 83% 94% of Cohort 1 and 93% or Cohort 2 found employment or continued their education Gains in Technical and Academic Skills 100% gained technical skills 79% demonstrated a statistically significant gain in math 42 % demonstrated a statistically significant gain in language arts All reported the development of positive attitudes toward education Quality of Life improved after PaCT Training

matc.edu/PaCT For More information The PaCT website is being constructed and will be up soon. Visit: matc.edu/PaCT

QUESTIONS